Life in One Chord: A documentary about New Zealand music legend Shayne Carter

Life in One Chord has taken seven years to complete. The film could not have happened without the support of a small but talented production and post-production crew, who kindly volunteered their expertise, time and equipment because they believed that this film should be made!

The music community opened their vaults, giving us access to their precious archives. Flying Nun allowed us to retrieve material that's never been heard or seen before. Life in One Chord is a treat for fans of Flying Nun, Shayne Carter, and anyone interested in the life of an artist. 

The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) came on board to help fund the finishing of the film, which will premiere in Dunedin at the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF), before touring around the main centres with the festival in August/September.

BUT we have one final financial hurdle to overcome… the cost of licensing! 

This includes the use of archival footage from TVNZ, TV3 and most importantly the licensing of Shayne's music from his publisher.

We deeply appreciate any and all contributions, and all donors will get an onscreen credit.  Tell all your friends and whanau who are Shayne Carter fans to do the same.

Directed by Margaret Gordon

Produced by Margaret Gordon, Patrick McCabe & Rick Harvie

Director of Photography James Ellis

Additional Cinematography  Dave Perry

Archivist and Researcher  William Daymond

Edited by Patrick McCabe

Music by Jackson Harry

Sound design by Chris Sinclair

Online edit and colour grade by Richard Lord

VFX by Reece Sanders and Mike Boulden

New Zealand Film Commission - Feature Film Finishing Grant, marketing and world premiere support. 

Madman - Australia and New Zealand distributor

Dunedin City Council Dunedin premiere support 

A private donor  funded the first edit 

Life in One Chord is an important part of New Zealand's musical history. It is the story of a Maori Pakeha kid who makes music his life, and touches the hearts of thousands.

With historic photographs, video, film and musical recordings gathered together in one place, along with bespoke filming, Life in One Chord is a significant document in its own right. 

Crowdfunding will help this film to completion and see it on its way to screens in festivals worldwide and across New Zealand.